Electric Semis

The next big wave of electric vehicles could very well be big rigs, as startups and established manufacturers alike begin to transition from diesel to electric motors.

Although they may not be ready for long-haul, cross-country runs, heavy-duty semis that are used for regional hauling are excellent candidates for upgrading to electric. In fact, much of the testing is being conducted at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, which see about 14,000 trucks per day, many of which make relatively short daily hauls.

While the up-front cost is slightly higher than that of a conventional truck, operating costs are estimated to be lower – $1.26 per mile as compared to $1.38 per mile for diesel. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, medium- and heavy-duty trucks also account for about 8 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, making electric an attractive alternative for the environment.

There are approximately 2 million semis and tractor-trailers operating in the United States today, and they are being replaced at the rate of about 200,000 to 300,000 per year. But the fact that some manufacturers have already stopped taking orders due to the high demand speaks for itself.